Mark Nicholas keen to return to commentary box

CHANNEL Nine cricket commentator Mark Nicholas wanted to get back behind the microphone at the MCG today, but his bosses at the network have forced him to stay home after he was rushed to hospital yesterday.

Paramedics arrived at the broadcast booths with a stretcher just after lunch yesterday with Nicholas suffering from abdominal pains.

The 59-year-old wasn't on air at the time, but witnesses say he was sweating profusely and clearly in pain.

His condition improved later in the afternoon and he was released from hospital last night.

He was keen to return to his commentating duties for day two of the Boxing Day Test, but Nine bosses quickly ruled that out.

"While he wants to return to the Nine commentary team today, his bosses have insisted on a day's rest,” a Nine spokeswoman said.

"He has again thanked everyone for their good wishes and support.”

The drama came after Victoria's favourite former Test captain Bill Lawry returned to the box.

The 79-year-old broadcaster and cricket legend is calling for the first time this summer at his home Test in what has become a traditional cameo appearance.

"To sit in a commentary box for the first ball of a Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, well, I reckon that's like being king,” he told The Australian this month.

Lawry shared mic time with Mark Taylor and showed he still has great passion for the game, lamenting the decision review system, even though a Younis Khan review showed a Josh Hazlewood ball was missing leg stump and the batsman was reprieved.

"I'm not sure about this DRS,” Lawry said.

"You have this magical moment of the wicket falling and two minutes later he's not out.”